Milan Cathedral, one of the most majestic cathedrals

Few buildings turn out to be grandiose both inside and out, and Milan Cathedral is one of them. The Gothic façade, the glorious interior, as well as the roof, are a true work of art. This impressive building is 108.5 meters high and is made entirely of Candoglia marble.

The beginning of its construction dates back to 1386, when the first stone was laid under the direction of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. During the following years, construction was halted several times due to lack of funds and political conflicts that developed. Even so, it was eventually completed, with Napoleon Bonaparte being one of the contributors to its completion in the 19th century, although the final details were not completed until 1965.

The Milanese city's cathedral is known for being one of the largest and most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world, although it also has Renaissance influences in some parts. 

The architecture of the Duomo

It is a brick construction covered with marble, with a marked Gothic style that is adorned with a myriad of pinnacles and pointed towers topped by statues, totaling more than 3,400 figures in all. These elements are not only decorative, but also help to distribute the weight of the structure.

The highest point of the majestic building is known as La Madonnina, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary belonging to Carlo Pellicani. From the Duomo square, you can see the Madonnina on top of the cathedral. You can also climb the terraces of the cathedral to get a closer view and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Milan.

Also noteworthy are the choir windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints in their huge stained glass windows.

The interior of the Duomo of Milan

The interior of the Milan Cathedral is huge and beautiful with thick and long columns full of statues that reach the ceiling. Throughout the temple you can admire numerous statues, altars, paintings and altarpieces as well as monuments dedicated to religious figures and historical events. Among the most renowned sculptures is the statue of St. Bartholomew, a work by Marco d'Agrate dating back to 1562. It depicts the apostle flayed alive, with the skin hanging from his shoulders and waist as if it were a stole, to represent his martyrdom. The statue is remarkable for its anatomical realism, showing in detail the muscles and veins of the body.

In addition, the interior of the cathedral houses a vast collection of stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, adding color and light to the solemn atmosphere of the temple. Also, visitors can see richly decorated side chapels and one of the largest organs in Italy.

The terrace

The terrace of the Duomo of Milan occupies almost the entire surface of the roof and offers an unlikely experience for visitors, since from above you can see the Duomo square and much of the city from above.

There are two options for reaching the terrace, both of which are safe. If you choose to climb to the roof by the 165 steps of the stairs you have to go to the outer wing parallel to the building Vittorio Emannuelle II, while to go up by elevator, the most comfortable option, is accessed by the opposite wing, plus another 50 steps to reach the terrace.

The best thing about climbing to the top of the Milan Cathedral is the view of the pinnacles and spires that crown it, as well as being able to appreciate closely the Gothic architectural details, such as the statues and flying buttresses.

Entrance to the terrace has an average cost of 12 euros if you go up by elevator and around 7 euros if you go up the stairs. Children under 7 years old can go up for free in both options. Also, if you want to enjoy the experience without any inconvenience, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear, and consider the weather, as the terrace is outdoors and it can be too hot or too cold depending on the months you visit.

For more information, you can check the opening hours and updated prices on the official website of the Duomo of Milan before your visit.

The crypt of the cathedral

The crypt is a place of great historical and religious importance that houses the Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scurolo di San Carlo. It houses the remains of St. Charles Borromeo, one of the most venerated saints of the city of Milan. This chapel, designed by Francesco Maria Richini, has an octagonal plan decorated with marble, fabrics embroidered in silk, gold and silver threads and an urn of the same materials containing the body of the saint. This was donated by Philip IV of Spain and the body of the saint is dressed in pontifical ornaments, with the face covered by a silver mask.

In addition to the chapel, the crypt houses the cathedral's treasury, which includes several relics and objects of great historical and artistic value, including the Face of the Eternal Father and the Crucifix of Ariberto of Intimiano. 

Conclusion

The Milan Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that never fails to impress those who visit it. Its imposing structure, rich in detail and symbolism, along with its fascinating history, make it a must-see destination for any traveler.

If you want to explore the cathedral and the city of Milan in comfort, NH Hotels & Resorts is the best choice of accommodation, guaranteeing a pleasant stay with its excellent hotel locations in the center of Milan and its high-quality services. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Milan Cathedral built?

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1386 under the direction of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. The cathedral took several centuries to complete, with significant work carried out until the 19th century and some final details completed in 1965.

What is the Milan Cathedral called?

The Cathedral is officially known as Cattedrale Metropolitana della Natività della Beata Vergine Maria. However, it is commonly referred to as Il Duomo di Milano.

How can I access the terraces of the cathedral?

 You can access the cathedral terraces either by stairs or by elevator. The stairs are located in the outer wing parallel to the Vittorio Emanuele II building, while the elevator is in the opposite wing. The cost of admission varies according to the method of access.

Is it necessary to buy tickets in advance?

It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during the high season, to avoid long lines and ensure your visit at the desired time.

What can be seen in the crypt of the cathedral?

The crypt houses the Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo, which houses the remains of the saint, and the cathedral's treasury.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, the Milan Cathedral offers guided tours in several languages. These tours allow you to learn in depth about the history, architecture and art of the Duomo. They can be booked on the official website or at the cathedral's information point.

Author: Marta Corona

Guest Relations at NH Collection Milano Touring

Ciao! I am Marta Corona, Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Milano Touring since 2023. The best and most inspiring part of my job is getting in touch with new people every day. I love promoting the city to foreign guests, as well as to the Italian ones, providing unique suggestions. And receiving a great feedback is definitely the icing on the cake! Being born and raised in a different city than Milan, the main goal to me is surprising guests with tailored tips. Milan is a great city, offering so much to its citizens as well as to tourists and I think it is key to find peculiar activities and attractions in addition to the most popular ones, covering a wider range of interests.

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